While there are plenty of international eyes on Moscow for a whole other set of reasons, the golfers of the European tour will try to focus on the links when the M2M Russian Open kicks off Thursday at the Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club.
With tensions between Russia, the Ukraine and the rest of the world over last week’s tragic airline crash tied to a rebel force’s missile launch, golfers will hope to be a welcome distraction for the region’s sports fans.
The field is full of players looking to make a name for themselves and move up in the world rankings. Players of note include Norway’s Morten Orum Madsen, currently ranked 49th in the Race to Dubai standings. Defending champion Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland injured his foot during the second day of The Open Championship last week and will not be able to defend his tournament title from 2013.
The Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club is a Jack Nickalus designed course. It is 7,491 yards in length and a par-72, ranging in length from the 182-yard No. 6 to the 586-yard No. 4.
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